Jonathan Gannon new Packer DC

[GreenBaySlacker]

Gannon wasn't my top choice (Parker) but I do prefer him over Harris or Leonard personally.

Gannon's 2022 year with Philly:

- Led the league with fewest yards allowed per play
- 4th in turnovers with 27 forced
- Gave up the fewest passing yards
-17th best rush defense in yards given up
- 5th most INTs
- 6th best in percentage of drives ending in a score given up
- 3rd most season sacks by a team ever

He's had solid DB groups in his career which was his primary coaching path for years.

It of course isn't awesome that Arizona sucked so much under him....but he inherited an undisciplined group and situation...was given two years and no real overhaul allowed...talk about a handcuffed situation.

Arizona lost their #1, #2, #3 RBs early in the season. They went down back to back weeks early.. and that's the backbone of their offense.

That's like losing love and Willis week 4 and hoping the practice squad guys can step in for them.... It was unfortunate for Gannon.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think Quay will come back.

Rashan Gary should get traded or cut allocating the money elsewhere.

I think Quay and Coop complement each other very well.

LB corp was a strength and not a weakness, which hasn’t been the case for almost a decade.

There will be cuts and trades on both sides of the ball.

Coaching hires/fires aside, the construction of the roster is the most important.

Yeah I hope Walker is back. His role was better defined under Hafley and it seemed his play improved. And you're right about the LB group. With Walker, Cooper, and even Parsons on occasion, that group is solid. McDuffie is good and Hopper is ascending. The LBs always manage to be around the ball.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Sounds like MLF did act fast to lock up Gannon. Seems like a good move. I think his defense was pretty good when he was Dc in Philly.

That's what got me. Philly was a force in that time period when Gannon was their DC.
Got some reps at HC.

Now DC should be a lot easier... We have a lot of worthy coaches in GB already. Gannon is a great plug in replacement.

 

[Heyjoe4]

@Pugger is absolutely right though as well about not ever Coordinator that excels is gifted at being the HC. I argue Gannon was set up for failure and trying to overhaul Cardinals should have been given four years minimum.

Just a gut reaction, but it seems DCs don't make great HCs. Saleh is getting another chance, but I prefer an offensive-minded HC.

 

[Heyjoe4]

That's what got me. Philly was a force in that time period when Gannon was their DC.
Got some reps at HC.

Now DC should be a lot easier... We have a lot of worthy coaches in GB already. Gannon is a great plug in replacement.

I think he was the best DC candidate available. MLF was wise to move fast. We'll see soon enough how it works out. Gannon is inheriting a lot of talent on D, when healthy. And Hafley's 2nd year, with Parsons, was not as good as his first, IMO.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Yeah I hope Walker is back. His role was better defined under Hafley and it seemed his play improved. And you're right about the LB group. With Walker, Cooper, and even Parsons on occasion, that group is solid. McDuffie is good and Hopper is ascending. The LBs always manage to be around the ball.

Yea it only took us a decade to find lLBs we can run our defense with. Lol. Maybe longer. Since AJ Hawk? Anyways.

Walker/Cooper is a solid duo. They earned their next contracts IMO. Hope GB brass prioritizes them.

 

[milani]

@Pugger is absolutely right though as well about not ever Coordinator that excels is gifted at being the HC. I argue Gannon was set up for failure and trying to overhaul Cardinals should have been given four years minimum.

And his division was not the NFC South.

 

[El Guapo]

Hafley had no defensive line after Wyatt and Parsons were lost for the season. Phil Bengston couldn't have gotten more out of a defense that had no real CBs and zero pass rush. I don't care how creative you get with your LBs, you can't have one strength and two liabilities on defense and expect them to hold up when the offense went 3-and-out more than it should.

I'm a Gutekunst guy, as he has been an above average GM. However, the Parsons move was a gamble on the D-line that was exposed. He needs to fix all of the defensive holes for Gannon (or anyone) to succeed.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'm a huge Jimmy Leonhard fan. His track record speaks for itself. Everywhere he goes, the defenses get better real fast. Had MLF hired him, I would've been happy and given him his credit.

The Packers have now combined two coaches with a penchant for melting down in the 4th quarter. Gannon was hampered at QB in Arizona but his teams were still good enough to take a lead or tie in the 4th quarter. The Cardinals didn't just choke with Brisette in 2025, the second half of the 2024 season had more than its share of 4th quarter ineptitude.

It's not all about the X's and O's. Football is still a game where the intangibles make a difference. I don't think MLF and Gannon put enough importance in that. That said, Maybe Gannon will be ok as a DC. How bad can you be when you have Micah Parsons if he comes back strong?

I just see Gannon as more of the same. Don't expect the Packers to change much in 2026. They show no signs that they won't continue to lose focus and intensity and make stupid mistakes.

You've highlighted the single biggest problem with the Pack - O, D, and STs. They melt in Q4. MLF didn't seem to be playing not to lose against Chicago, but his 2H play calling seemed set in stone, no adjustments. When it was clear the Bears were gonna blitz and blitz, I didn't see any adjustments. That is concerning.

MLF needs an outside guy, OC or excellent O assistant to spark some creativity and defend MLF from himself. Send Stevanich back to the OL, where he excelled, and find a new guy from outside the organization to help with play calling.

 

[El Guapo]

Walker/Cooper is a solid duo. They earned their next contracts IMO. Hope GB brass prioritizes them.

I can't support a contract for Quay. I love how he developed, but it only clicked when a contract was on the line. Those guys give me pause. Hopefully the GB staff knows him well enough to make the correct final call.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Gannon wasn't my top choice (Parker) but I do prefer him over Harris or Leonard personally.

Gannon's 2022 year with Philly:

- Led the league with fewest yards allowed per play
- 4th in turnovers with 27 forced
- Gave up the fewest passing yards
-17th best rush defense in yards given up
- 5th most INTs
- 6th best in percentage of drives ending in a score given up
- 3rd most season sacks by a team ever

He's had solid DB groups in his career which was his primary coaching path for years.

It of course isn't awesome that Arizona sucked so much under him....but he inherited an undisciplined group and situation...was given two years and no real overhaul allowed...talk about a handcuffed situation.

Agree that Gannon is a better choice than Harris or Leonhard. I'm pretty happy with Gannon. His hands were tied in AZ. And it seems DCs just don't make HCs.

The stats for Gannon's D in 2022 are very good. And he inherits a lot of talent.

Now it's up to Gluten to find one, ideally two, CBs who can start and a DL. Tall order and he'll have to use FA, or get extremely lucky drafting.

LVN having a breakout year would be huge, and maybe he gets more chances with Gary gone, and when Parsons is back.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Hafley had no defensive line after Wyatt and Parsons were lost for the season. Phil Bengston couldn't have gotten more out of a defense that had no real CBs and zero pass rush. I don't care how creative you get with your LBs, you can't have one strength and two liabilities on defense and expect them to hold up when the offense went 3-and-out more than it should.

I'm a Gutekunst guy, as he has been an above average GM. However, the Parsons move was a gamble on the D-line that was exposed. He needs to fix all of the defensive holes for Gannon (or anyone) to succeed.

Every year I have a list of hopeful interior Dline picks. Lol. Most every year I'm disappointed.

I wouldn't mind seeing both our day 2 picks spent on DT, or a Nose out of the top group.

I still like the idea of a 305-310 pound DE. A guy who can meet a 310 pound LT pound for pound.... (Advantage defense)... Reggie White, Cullen Jenkens types. Guys who can light the candle at both ends for 3 plays, and blow chit up while Parsons is taking a breather....

Don't be afraid to move some of those quick/strong DTs to DE for a couple plays, is all I'm saying. I think it would be a great change up from parsons.

Just an idea, to justify having an extra interior dlineman on the roster.

 

[mradtke66]

More 3-4 alignments is expected which will hopefully get Walker, Coop, Hopper, and McDuffie on the field at the same time more often.

That is incredibly unlikely. We just came from a 3-4, we should know how this will go. Parsons, LVN, Brooks, Gary (if he happens to stay) become our OLBs.

For approximately the 5,000th time: 4-3 ends ~= 3-4 OLBs.

Gotta revamp the D-Line. Bigger Bodies.

We'd need a NT if we swapped to a 3-4. We also need a NT if we stay in a 4-3.

 

[tynimiller]

I can't support a contract for Quay. I love how he developed, but it only clicked when a contract was on the line. Those guys give me pause. Hopefully the GB staff knows him well enough to make the correct final call.

I'd be a one year offer and that's it. When asked why just say we haven't seen the maturity and proper decision making for more than one year (a contract year).

 

[mradtke66]

Why would we have to pay him $15M per year?

I think we can and should resign him for $6-7m ish.

I wouldn't be surprised if his salary averages closer to 10m ish, just based on year over year salary cap increases.

The one question is how does Gannon view him? The thing Quay does best is rush. If Gannon isn't a fan of ILB fires, then his value to us would drop further.

 

[El Guapo]

I'd be a one year offer and that's it. When asked why just say we haven't seen the maturity and proper decision making for more than one year (a contract year).

I would offer up that is maturity grew tremendously after his rookie season. I just flat-out don't think that he played hard until it mattered (for him). Maybe it took him this long to figure out how to play in the NFL - that's for the coaching staff to know.

I would be fine with the 1yr contract but Quay will likely get better offers elsewhere.

 

[tynimiller]

I wouldn't be surprised if his salary averages closer to 10m ish, just based on year over year salary cap increases.

The one question is how does Gannon view him? The thing Quay does best is rush. If Gannon isn't a fan of ILB fires, then his value to us would drop further.

I don't see that personally. I think he may break $10M a year...but he's got an uphill battle IMO as a few of his most likely contractual comps :

Logan Wilson - 4 years 36 million or $9M/yr
Ernest Jones - 3 years 28.5 million or $9.5M/yr
Nathan Landman - 3 years 22.5 million or $7.5M/yr

Few other young guys like Nick Bolton or Baun are well ahead of Quay and have no business being used in discussions.

 

[tynimiller]

I would offer up that is maturity grew tremendously after his rookie season. I just flat-out don't think that he played hard until it mattered (for him). Maybe it took him this long to figure out how to play in the NFL - that's for the coaching staff to know.

I would be fine with the 1yr contract but Quay will likely get better offers elsewhere.

He will for sure.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Agree that Gannon is a better choice than Harris or Leonhard. I'm pretty happy with Gannon. His hands were tied in AZ. And it seems DCs just don't make HCs.

The stats for Gannon's D in 2022 are very good. And he inherits a lot of talent.

Now it's up to Gluten to find one, ideally two, CBs who can start and a DL. Tall order and he'll have to use FA, or get extremely lucky drafting.

LVN having a breakout year would be huge, and maybe he gets more chances with Gary gone, and when Parsons is back.

You don't think Hobbs mediocre play was a result of him battling injuries, from the preseason on?

Honestly, I'm optimistic we see the new improved Hobbs. Humbled. Hungry. And will be a solid starter for us outside... GB brass paid him for a reason. They seen something, that we obviously didn't get a chance to see in 2025.

When Diggs was on the roster, as a potential legit #1CB.... That's assuming he can return to form following 2 full years of mediocre,post-ACL play... A prove it deal would be sweet to see.

Nixon, in my mind is a $10mil/year guy. He is best used as a #2 or #3 guy. A solid cog in the machine IMO. He might price himself out of town, which would be ok...

But in my minds eye. I see the potential of having that big strong fast #1CB in Diggs. A solid #1 CB in Hobbs, bumped down the depth chart from getting burnt by opposing super stars, to burning opposing #2s.

Our home grown Nixon cutting off the slot.

That to me is a potentially dominant trio.
Also could be a potentially weak way to spend $50 million in cap space, of Diggs and Hobbs don't bounce back as hoped.

 

[mradtke66]

I don't see that personally. I think he may break $10M a year...but he's got an uphill battle IMO as a few of his most likely contractual comps :

Logan Wilson - 4 years 36 million or $9M/yr
Ernest Jones - 3 years 28.5 million or $9.5M/yr
Nathan Landman - 3 years 22.5 million or $7.5M/yr

I'm reasonable confident that all of those contracts are at least 1 year old. I'm not saying that Quay is some how significantly better, just that with the cap continuing to rise, he might get more than them.

 

[tynimiller]

I'm reasonable confident that all of those contracts are at least 1 year old. I'm not saying that Quay is some how significantly better, just that with the cap continuing to rise, he might get more than them.

Logan's was Fall of 2023 and an extension. Many would say Quay is inferior player, but yes time adjustment would need considered.
Ernest Jones agreement is actually the one that is pending and won't hit till the new league year but it is reported by all media he has signed it. So about as fresh as possible.
The Rams announced the landman deal in November - months ago.

As for comparing them...just for reference (not gospel) here are their PFF summaries


Logan

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Landman

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Jones

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Quay

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[gopkrs]

It might come down to we are not going to get another linebacker and we need all of ours if we are to have a good defense. Some of the linebacker play has been tremendous in these playoffs. Swarming and tackling strong. I'd love to see Hopper get into that mode but we still need linebackers

 

[rdawsoniii]

Sounds like MLF did act fast to lock up Gannon. Seems like a good move. I think his defense was pretty good when he was Dc in Philly.

He kind of had to. If he waited until Leonhard was available (which could have been a couple more weeks), you run the risk of all the “good” candidates being gone, should Leonard say “no” or go elsewhere.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

It might come down to we are not going to get another linebacker and we need all of ours if we are to have a good defense. Some of the linebacker play has been tremendous in these playoffs. Swarming and tackling strong. I'd love to see Hopper get into that mode but we still need linebackers

We definitely need "better" linebackers. I also think our lack of a decent DL hasn't helped our LB's at all. So while I want to say that Quay should be allowed to walk, I would love to know what he would look like with better players in front of him.

I have said it before, but I think Gute's biggest mistake prior to the 2025 season was not addressing the iDL and CB's. The Parsons trade may have been a good one, but losing Kenny Clark in the deal made our iDL issue even worse. Once Wyatt went down, our iDL was about as weak as I ever want to see it again.

So while I am opposed to paying Walker a lot to stay in GB, I would probably be willing to pay him more than what some would. Part of that is that we don't have a lot of options behind him, but the bigger part is that Gute needs to give the LB's more help by improving the players in front of them.

 

[Wayne G]

Surprise? Nope. Once again Packers go CHEAP on a coodinator!

"Fill the seats..... theyll continue to come."

Lafluer....now Gannon. Nice. Things are looking good. Hahahahaha